Electric Vehicles

Honda Fit EV Makes World Debut at L.A. Auto Show

November 21, 2011
• by Staff

LOS ANGELES – Honda on Nov. 16 unveiled the all-new 2013 Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the battery-electric commuter vehicle to U.S. customers in the summer of 2012.

MY 2013 Honda Fit EV

American Honda will begin leasing the Fit EV to customers in select California and Oregon markets next summer, and will expand to six East Coast markets in early 2013.

The Fit EV's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $36,625, with an estimated lease price of $399 a month. Honda said it will monitor market acceptance, but expects volume at this early stage of production to be approximately 1,100 Fit EVs over the next three years.

"The Fit EV is the next critical step in Honda's portfolio approach to alternative fueled vehicles," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

The Fit EV offers an estimated driving range of 123 miles on a single charge using the U.S. EPA city cycle test methods. Honda said it anticipates a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles on the new fuel economy labels.

The Fit EV is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor. The high-density electric motor is derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel-cell electric vehicle.

Drivers can maximize driving range by taking advantage of the three-mode electric drive system, adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid.

Electric Vehicles

Automakers are increasingly debuting new vehicles and technology at CES, and this year will be no different, especially for Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker will show its new CLA sedan, EQC battery-electric SUV, and Vision Urbanetic cargo van concept at the show, which from from Jan. 8-11.

Infiniti will show an electrified concept crossover at the Detroit auto show in January, as it celebrates 30 years of producing vehicles and moves toward producing battery-electric crossovers and sedans.

Electrify America will invest another $200 million toward the development of zero emission vehicle infrastructure and education, which is the second investment from the company that was approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).